July 22 - 11:00am - Public Image Committee meeting Jolanta Janny, jolantajanny@gmail.com

The Public Image Committee is currently seeking stories written by members to include in the club newsletter.

All members are also encouraged to participate actively on the club Facebook page.

Alan Walker introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Lesslie Tunmar, who is Head of Scenic Construction at the Shaw Festival.

 

Lesslie explained how some of the intricate sets are built for plays at the Shaw Festival.  He noted his role is to move designers’ ideas into reality.  Lesslie walked members through several slides that showed the workings of various sets beneath the stage.  Complicated hydraulics, pneumatics, wheels (and even basic string!) are all used beneath the floor to make the elaborate, moving sets.  Making the pieces for the sets are often made of laser cut steel, with supporting larger steel girders.  Elevators and even secret tunnels are sometimes under the floor that work via movable beams.  An example of a recently difficult set to build included the construction of a tree that comes to life with live arms and roots, and that can also move across a floor.  Lesslie highlighted he is constantly bringing actors to the set shop to test out the new equipment. 

 

In the past, most scenery was thrown out after a set of performances was completed.  However, the current trend is to house the scenery, such that the Shaw now has 2 warehouses plus at least 7 tractor trailers full of old scenery. 

 

In summary, Lesslie shared his enthusiasm by saying that he likes being able to “play in his own sandpit, and design his own sets”.

 

President Patricia thanked for Lesslie for providing the interesting insight into the workings of the Shaw Festival’s marvellous sets.

 

The meeting concluded with President Patricia offering an inspiring thought for the week: “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”